The trajectory of the Portland Thorns’ season thus far was perhaps best summed up by one specific moment in their July 6 game vs. the Utah Royals.

The Thorns had put the best defensive team in the NWSL under siege for 45 minutes, scoring three times in what was turning into a party at Providence Park. But just before the halftime break, a reckless tackle from a Utah player sent defender Midge Purce to the ground in a heap.

She couldn’t put weight on her ankle and left the stadium that night on crutches. Despite a 4-0 win for the Thorns, the injury cast a pall over the blowout and, later, the diagnosis came that Purce will be out for the next four to five weeks.

Just when everything seems to be going well for the Thorns and smooth sailing may be ahead, they’ve hit rough waters time and time again this season.

“Every time we get someone back…” coach Mark Parsons started to say after the Utah game. Instead of finishing his...